Morrison & Foerster, a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce that Matthew Dunlap has joined the firm’s London office as a partner in its Finance practice. Mr. Dunlap brings to the firm extensive experience in cross-border corporate and private equity finance transactions, with a particular emphasis on high yield debt offerings. His arrival underscores the continued growth of the firm’s London Finance practice, following the noteworthy additions of Finance partners Chris Kandel, Caroline Jury, and Benoit Lavigne, and of counsel John Burge over the last two years. Mr. Dunlap joins the firm from Latham & Watkins LLP.
“Our strategic focus in building a robust London Finance practice has paid off, as the expanded team is meeting our clients’ needs and is gaining traction in the market,” said Paul Friedman, Morrison & Foerster’s managing partner for Europe. “Adding the high yield practice in London is a critical step and is another significant milestone in the continuing growth of the firm’s cross-border finance practice.”
Mr. Dunlap’s practice focuses on complex cross-border transactions, including high yield and crossover debt offerings, acquisition financings and liability management exercises. He has significant experience advising both issuers and investment banks, primarily representing private equity and corporate issuer clients. Mr. Dunlap also has extensive energy sector experience, having worked on a substantial number of transactions in Houston and London.
“Matthew is a first-rate high yield lawyer and, having previously worked with him, a terrific colleague,” said Finance partner Chris Kandel. “Adding Matthew and his high yield experience to the team is another major step forward for our London Finance practice. High yield completes the third pillar in our London leveraged finance offering, rounding out our existing banking and restructuring capabilities, and now mirroring the same offerings the firm has in the U.S. and Asia.”
Mr. Dunlap’s recent notable matters include advising Sisal Group S.p.A., a CVC portfolio company, on acquisition financing for the creation of Sisal Pay S.p.A., an Italian proximity payments operator; Ithaca Energy Limited on its $500 million senior notes offering in connection with the acquisition of Chevron North Sea Limited; and Aker BP ASA on its $750 million senior notes offering.
“Morrison & Foerster is making a real impact in the London market, and I am excited to join the firm’s growing Finance practice,” said Mr. Dunlap. “I am especially drawn to the firm’s strength in technology and growth companies as well as its collaborative approach in providing the highest level of innovative client service.”
Mr. Dunlap is admitted to the bar in Texas. He earned his B.A. (Political Science) from the University of Richmond and received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.
